Just a week into his reign, Spain’s new King Felipe VI has visited one of the country’s most politically sensitive regions, Catalonia.<br /><br />In his first speech, Felipe made reference to its growing separatist movement and his desire to spark dialogue and encourage national unity.<br /><br />Sentiments he shared again at an awards ceremony for a charitable foundation.<br /><br />“I want to make this Crown more visible in this land, to transmit messages of respect, understanding and coexistence that, as I pointed out in my proclamation, are inseparable to our Parliamentary Monarchy,” said Felipe.<br /><br />Dialogue between parties in Catalonia and their national counterparts in Madrid has almost completely broken down over issues such as tackling corruption and increase transparency.<br /><br />The region is due to hold a referendum on its status in November.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in a bid to stem further damage on the royal family, Spain’s parliament has passed a law protecting former King Juan Carlos from lawsuits in Spanish civil and criminal courts, including two paternity suits.<br /><br />A Spanish man, Alberto Sola Jimenez and a Belgian woman, Ingrid Jeanne Satiau, both claim to be his children, according to Spanish media.<br /><br />Under the legislation, Juan Carlos will only answer to the Supreme Court, Spain’s tribunal of last resort. Similar protection is afforded to high-ranking civil servants and people in political office in Spain.
